MURPHY, N.C. – Murphy Mayor David Ramsey and Andrews Mayor James Reid issued a statement officially declaring states of emergencies in their respective towns and instilling curfews for pedestrians.

The Murphy curfew begins a 9 p.m. and extends until 6 a.m, starting on March 20.

The curfew doesn’t apply to employees of businesses that are open to employees or customers of open businesses who are traveling directly to the stores and back to their cars.

Additionally, the curfew order doesn’t apply to occupants in motor vehicles, just pedestrians.

Anyone found in non-compliance with this order “shall be guilty of a Class Three Misdemeanor and subject to imprisonment of up to 20 days or a fine up to $100.00.”

Andrews Curfew

Mayor James Reid of Andrews, N.C. also issued a state of emergency and declared a curfew on pedestrians from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. It begins at 9 p.m. on March 20.

Any pedestrians found in a public area – street, highway, parking lot, or place – can be found in violation of the emergency order and could be “punish[ed with a] Class 2 Misdemeanor, subjecting the violater to up to 60 days imprisonment and/or a $1,000 fine.

The curfew ends with the state of emergency expires.

N.C. declared a state of emergency on March 10, 2020, and on March 17, Gov. Roy Cooper restricted the sale of food and beverages to carry out, drive-thru, and delivery only.

On March 18, Cherokee County, N.C. Health Department confirmed that an individual tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating in the area.

The individual did attend a contra dance at John C. Campbell Folk School on March 10 and the health department asks anyone who also attended and is showing COVID-19 symptoms to call 837-7486.

Statement from Cherokee County N.C. Board of Commissioners

“During these unprecedented times of COVID-19, better known as the Novel Coronavirus, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners wants to reassure the public that it is committed to the health, welfare and safety of its citizens and visitors. Cherokee County Commissioners have been actively working closely with county administration and public health, the county attorney, public safety personnel and key community partners in an effort to reduce the risk of exposure to, and transmission of, COVID-19. Our staff has been meeting weekly to discuss what measures have been taken, are being taken, and need to be taken by various county departments and organizations, so that we can continue providing essential community services and programs. Daily meetings are occurring to stay abreast of the changes taking place at the state and federal level, and are participating in webinars and conference calls on a daily basis. We are all working toward the ultimate goal of protecting our citizens and visitors.”